Baylor overtakes GPS

Baylor overtakes GPS

GPS's Tory Kemp, right, stretches to tip the ball over the net during Tuesday's match against Baylor.

GPS's Tory Kemp, right, stretches to tip the...

Photo by
Jake Daniels
/Times Free Press.

After the first game in their Division II-AA East/Middle Region volleyball match Tuesday, things went in different directions for Baylor and GPS. That was a good sign only for the home team.

Host Baylor came back for a 3-1 victory over the Bruisers, winning 18-25, 25-19, 25-19, 25-21.

The Lady Red Raiders never led in the first game but trailed only once in the second. That was 2-1, although they never led by more than four until the end.

The third game was close all the way to 15-15, but then Baylor (17-5, 4-0) scored four straight on the way to a decisive 7-1 run. GPS scored the first three points in the final game and had its fourth and last four-point lead at 12-8 before the Lady Raiders rallied.

"We had a couple of unforced errors that first game," Baylor coach Sarah Lail said. "We had to try to work through that and play it out. I'm extremely happy with the win. I think any time Baylor and GPS play in something there's going to be a lot more excitement around campus, but that's what makes it fun."

Lail said there was no tactical adjustment after losing the opening game, just better focus and execution.

"I think just the whole team played a little bit better," she said. "We started hitting because we were communicating better with our setters. We wanted to mix the ball around to different people."

Lindsey Yates totaled 18 assists, and her serving, which included a team-high five aces, was instrumental in a run of seven consecutive points in the clinching game beginning with the Lady Raiders trailing 16-14.

"We didn't play well," GPS coach Paul Brock said. "That first set is what we'd hoped for. Then Baylor stepped up and we stepped back. They didn't step up to the challenge. Again, playing at Baylor is tough.

"It was a learning experience. We've got a lot still to work on. We've got some young hitters, too, that are continuing to try to get their confidence."